Iron-air rechargeable battery
AssigneesUniversity of Southern California, California Institute of Technology
InventorsSri R. Narayan, G.K. Surya Prakash, Andrew Kindler
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Abstract
Embodiments include an iron-air rechargeable battery having a composite electrode including an iron electrode and a hydrogen electrode integrated therewith. An air electrode is spaced from the iron electrode and an electrolyte is provided in contact with the air electrode and the iron electrodes. Various additives and catalysts are disclosed with respect to the iron electrode, air electrode, and electrolyte for increasing battery efficiency and cycle life.
Claims35
An iron-air rechargeable battery, comprising:
- a composite electrode including an iron electrode, a hydrogen electrode integrated therewith, and an insulating layer between the iron electrode and the hydrogen electrode;
- an air electrode spaced from the composite electrode;
- and
- an electrolyte in contact with the composite electrode and the air electrode.
A method for charging an iron-air battery, the battery comprising a composite electrode including an iron electrode, a hydrogen electrode integrated therewith, and an insulating layer between the iron electrode and the hydrogen electrode, an air electrode spaced from the iron electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with the iron electrode and the air electrode, the method comprising:
- charging the iron electrode while allowing the hydrogen electrode to discharge at the same time;
- and
- isolating the iron electrode and the hydrogen electrode during discharge so that only the iron electrode is involved in power delivery.
An iron-air rechargeable battery, comprising:
- a composite electrode including an iron electrode and a hydrogen electrode integrated therewith;
- an air electrode spaced from the composite electrode;
- and
- an electrolyte in contact with the composite electrode and the air electrode;
- wherein the iron electrode is covered with a porous conducting structure that has holes for access of the electrolyte.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.